ROCHDALE player boss Paul Simpson was a happy man after his side had evicted Preston from the FA Cup.

Simpson, however, was less than keen on the comments that had emanated from Deepdale before the game, including those of home skipper Chris Lucketti.

"It was no more our cup final than it was theirs," said Simpson.

"They are having a bad time at the moment and getting abuse from all quarters, so it was just as big a game for them.

"People inside our club thought it was disrespectful referring to this match as little Rochdale's cup final and maybe it spurred the players on a little."

League form

Before the dust had settled on a 2-1 win courtesy of Lee McEvilly and Simpson free kicks, the Dale boss was already looking forward to winning league matches and getting back into the promotion shake-up.

"What we need is to carry on with the same enthusiasm, energy, work rate and preferably the same result in the games to come.

"I had 11 heroes out there and at the moment they are backing each other up brilliantly. They know that if they go for the ball they will have a team-mate behind them helping and the spirit and will to win is terrific.

"Seeing how many fans had followed us and hearing them singing their hearts out gave everyone an extra boost. Now we need to give the fans something to sing about at home in the league."

Will Dale's cup heroics give their league form a boost? Have your say.